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SNBL / BNPL

SNBL / BNPL

SNBL, BNPL and other unique ways Indians are spending.

Is Save Now Buy Later better than traditional Savings Accounts?

Learn about SNBL and how it compares with traditional savings account.
5 min read

"Save Now, Buy Later" and traditional savings accounts are two different approaches to saving money.

SNBL is growing in popularity as it provides an alternative to traditional savings accounts. Usually, you have to put a lot of money into a traditional savings account up front and then earn interest on it over time.

With SNBL, you can make smaller deposits over a longer period of time and still earn interest.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

  • Purpose: The primary purpose of a traditional savings account is to earn interest on your savings, while the primary purpose of the "Save Now, Buy Later" approach is to save for a specific purchase.
  • Flexibility: With a traditional savings account, you can withdraw your money at any time without penalty, while with "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you're saving up for a specific purchase and may have to wait until you have enough money to make the purchase.
  • Interest rates: Traditional savings accounts typically offer low interest rates, while with "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you can earn a higher rate of return by investing your savings in a higher-yielding account or investment.
  • Inflation risk: Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time, but with "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you're aiming to save a specific amount for a specific purchase, so inflation may not be as much of a concern.
  • Discipline: The "Save Now, Buy Later" approach requires more discipline and planning than a traditional savings account, as you need to save up a specific amount for a specific purchase.
  • Motivation: With "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you have a specific goal in mind, which can be motivating and help you stay on track with your savings. With a traditional savings account, the goal may not be as clear, which can make it harder to stay motivated.
  • Higher Returns: The "Save Now, Buy Later" approach can offer higher returns, as the money is invested for a specific period of time for a specific purchase. In contrast, traditional savings accounts typically offer lower returns.

Ultimately, the choice between "Save Now, Buy Later" and a traditional savings account depends on your financial goals and preferences. If you have a specific purchase in mind and want to save for it, the "Save Now, Buy Later" approach may be more effective. If you're looking to earn a return on your savings and want more flexibility, a traditional savings account may be a better fit.

Pros and Cons of Save Now Buy Later Compared to Traditional Savings Accounts

The main advantage of SNBL over traditional savings accounts is that you can save money over a longer period of time without having to make a large upfront deposit.

SNBL also allows you to put away money for long-term goals, such as retirement or a home purchase. The main disadvantage of SNBL is that the interest rate is typically lower than a traditional savings account. Also, SNBL will not protect your savings from inflation or market fluctuations.

Pros of Save Now Buy Later:

  • Clear goal: The "Save Now Buy Later" approach has a specific goal in mind, which can be motivating and help you stay on track with your savings.
  • Higher returns: By investing your savings in a higher-yielding account or investment, you can potentially earn a higher rate of return than with a traditional savings account.
  • Disciplined savings: The "Save Now Buy Later" approach requires more discipline and planning, which can help you develop good savings habits and financial discipline.
  • Fewer withdrawal temptations: Because you're saving up for a specific purchase, you're less likely to be tempted to withdraw the money for other purposes.

Cons of Save Now Buy Later:

  • Less flexible: With "Save Now Buy Later", you're saving up for a specific purchase and may have to wait until you have enough money to make the purchase. With a traditional savings account, you can withdraw your money at any time.
  • Opportunity cost: By saving for a specific purchase, you may miss out on other investment opportunities that could provide a higher return on your money.
  • Delayed gratification: It can be difficult to stick to a savings plan and wait to make a purchase, especially if it is something you really want.
  • Inflation risk: Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time, which can be a concern if you're saving for a long period of time.

Pros of Traditional Savings Accounts:

  • Flexibility: With a traditional savings account, you can withdraw your money at any time without penalty.
  • Safety: Savings accounts are generally considered safe and low-risk, which can be a reassuring option for those who are risk-averse.
  • Low minimums: Traditional savings accounts typically have low minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to a wide range of savers.

Cons of Traditional Savings Accounts:

  • Low returns: Savings accounts typically offer low interest rates, which may not keep up with inflation or provide a high return on your savings.
  • Lack of motivation: Traditional savings accounts don't have a specific goal in mind, which can make it harder to stay motivated to save.
  • Temptation to withdraw: With easy access to your savings, it can be tempting to withdraw the money for non-essential purchases.
  • No investment opportunities: Savings accounts don't provide investment opportunities, which means you may miss out on potential returns from other investment options.

Ultimately, the choice between the "Save Now Buy Later" approach and a traditional savings account depends on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and savings habits.

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What is Save Now Buy Later?

What SNBL is and whether it is right for you
5 min read

Save Now, Buy Later is a type of shopping program that allows customers to save money for a future purchase. It involves putting money into a savings account for a specific purchase. This lets people save up for the item they want and buy it later.

Save Now, Buy Later programs work by allowing you to deposit money into an account specifically designated for a future purchase.

The account is often linked to the store where the purchase will be made, and the money is held in the account until you are ready to make a purchase.

Benefits of Save Now Buy Later

One major advantage of Save Now, Buy Later is that it allows consumers to avoid credit card debt, which can be costly in terms of interest and fees. It also helps consumers plan for future purchases and avoid overspending. Additionally, Save Now, Buy Later programs often offer incentives, such as bonuses or discounts, for reaching savings goals.

Here are some benefits of Save Now Buy Later:

  • Avoiding debt: Save Now, Buy Later can help you avoid going into debt by saving up for a purchase instead of using a credit card or taking out a loan.
  • Control over spending: When you save for a purchase, you develop more disciplined spending habits and avoid impulse purchases, which can help you save money in the long run.
  • No Interest Charges: SNBL does not usually involve interest charges, unlike other forms of financing like credit cards or loans. This can help individuals save money on interest charges and reduce the overall cost of their purchases.
  • Saving money: If you save up for a purchase instead of using credit, you may be able to avoid interest charges and other fees that come with using credit.
  • Flexibility: When you save for a purchase, you don't have to be locked into a fixed payment schedule or repayment plan. Instead, you can change your plans if your circumstances change.
  • Improved credit score: Your credit score can go up over time if you use credit responsibly, like with a credit card. If you save up for a purchase instead of using credit, you may miss out on this benefit, but you also avoid the risks that come with taking on more debt.
  • Achieving financial goals: Save Now Buy Later can help you achieve long-term financial goals, such as saving for a down payment on a house or planning for retirement.
  • Building good financial habits: The "Save Now Buy Later" approach can help you develop good financial habits that will serve you well in the long term, such as budgeting, saving, and planning for the future.
  • Improved financial security: By building up savings over time, you can improve your financial security and be better prepared to handle unexpected expenses or emergencies.

Overall, Save Now Buy Later can be a smart financial strategy that helps you avoid debt, save money, and achieve your financial goals over time.

Risks Involved

While there are many benefits to the "Save Now, Buy Later" strategy, there are also some risks involved. One possible disadvantage of Save Now, Buy Later programs is that you may not make the purchase and thus lose some or all of the money saved. Another risk is that you, as a consumer, will not be able to access the funds if you need them for an emergency or an immediate expense.

Before you invest in a "save now, buy later" plan, here are some possible risks you should be aware of:

  • Inflation: If you are saving for a long period of time, inflation can reduce the purchasing power of your savings. For example, the price of the item you are saving for may increase faster than the interest you earn on your savings.
  • Opportunity cost: By saving up for a specific purchase, you may miss out on other investment opportunities that could provide a higher return on your money.
  • Emergencies: If you have to pay for something unexpectedly, you might have to use the money you've been saving for your purchase. This could make your plans take longer or even fall apart.
  • Changes in circumstances: Your financial situation or personal circumstances may change, making it difficult or impossible to follow through with your plan to save for a specific purchase.
  • FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): You may feel pressure to make a purchase sooner rather than later, as you may feel like you're missing out on something or the price may increase.
  • Savings discipline: "Save Now, Buy Later" can help you be more responsible with your money, but it can be hard to stick to a savings plan, especially if you have to pay for things you didn't expect or if saving is taking longer than you thought it would.

Before committing to a "Save Now, Buy Later" plan, it's important to think carefully about these risks and make changes to your plan as needed to make sure you can reach your financial goals while managing the risks.

One disadvantage of Save Now Buy Later is that the consumer may not ultimately make the purchase, and could lose the money they saved. Another disadvantage is that the consumer may be tempted to make a purchase they can't afford, simply because they have saved up the money for it.

Overall, Save Now Buy Later can be a useful tool for consumers who want to plan for future purchases and avoid credit card debt. However, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits before participating in a Save Now Buy Later program.

Disadvantages to consider

While the "Save Now Buy Later" strategy can be an effective way to achieve your financial goals, there are some potential disadvantages to be aware of:

  • Opportunity cost: When you save for a specific purchase, you may miss out on other investment opportunities that could provide a higher return on your money. This means that you could potentially be sacrificing long-term gains for a short-term goal.
  • Inflation: If you are saving for a long period of time, inflation can reduce the purchasing power of your savings. This means that the item you are saving for may end up costing more than you anticipated by the time you have enough money to make the purchase.
  • Delayed gratification: It can be difficult to stick to a savings plan and wait to make a purchase, especially if it is something you really want. This can be frustrating and may require a lot of discipline and self-control.
  • Emergencies: Unexpected financial emergencies can arise, and you may need to dip into your savings to cover them. This could set back your plans to make the purchase or require you to save more money than originally planned.
  • Missed opportunities: By putting off a purchase, you may miss out on a sale or a limited-time offer that would have allowed you to get the item at a lower cost.
  • Changing goals: Your priorities may change over time, and you may decide that the item you were saving for is no longer a priority. In this case, you may have to redirect your savings towards a different goal, which could delay or derail your plans.

It's important to weigh these potential disadvantages against the benefits of the "Save Now, Buy Later" strategy when deciding whether it is the right approach for you. With careful planning and discipline, the advantages can often outweigh the potential disadvantages.

Is Save Now Buy Later better than traditional Savings Accounts?

Learn about SNBL and how it compares with traditional savings account.
5 min read

"Save Now, Buy Later" and traditional savings accounts are two different approaches to saving money.

SNBL is growing in popularity as it provides an alternative to traditional savings accounts. Usually, you have to put a lot of money into a traditional savings account up front and then earn interest on it over time.

With SNBL, you can make smaller deposits over a longer period of time and still earn interest.

Here are some of the key differences between the two:

  • Purpose: The primary purpose of a traditional savings account is to earn interest on your savings, while the primary purpose of the "Save Now, Buy Later" approach is to save for a specific purchase.
  • Flexibility: With a traditional savings account, you can withdraw your money at any time without penalty, while with "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you're saving up for a specific purchase and may have to wait until you have enough money to make the purchase.
  • Interest rates: Traditional savings accounts typically offer low interest rates, while with "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you can earn a higher rate of return by investing your savings in a higher-yielding account or investment.
  • Inflation risk: Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time, but with "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you're aiming to save a specific amount for a specific purchase, so inflation may not be as much of a concern.
  • Discipline: The "Save Now, Buy Later" approach requires more discipline and planning than a traditional savings account, as you need to save up a specific amount for a specific purchase.
  • Motivation: With "Save Now, Buy Later,"  you have a specific goal in mind, which can be motivating and help you stay on track with your savings. With a traditional savings account, the goal may not be as clear, which can make it harder to stay motivated.
  • Higher Returns: The "Save Now, Buy Later" approach can offer higher returns, as the money is invested for a specific period of time for a specific purchase. In contrast, traditional savings accounts typically offer lower returns.

Ultimately, the choice between "Save Now, Buy Later" and a traditional savings account depends on your financial goals and preferences. If you have a specific purchase in mind and want to save for it, the "Save Now, Buy Later" approach may be more effective. If you're looking to earn a return on your savings and want more flexibility, a traditional savings account may be a better fit.

Pros and Cons of Save Now Buy Later Compared to Traditional Savings Accounts

The main advantage of SNBL over traditional savings accounts is that you can save money over a longer period of time without having to make a large upfront deposit.

SNBL also allows you to put away money for long-term goals, such as retirement or a home purchase. The main disadvantage of SNBL is that the interest rate is typically lower than a traditional savings account. Also, SNBL will not protect your savings from inflation or market fluctuations.

Pros of Save Now Buy Later:

  • Clear goal: The "Save Now Buy Later" approach has a specific goal in mind, which can be motivating and help you stay on track with your savings.
  • Higher returns: By investing your savings in a higher-yielding account or investment, you can potentially earn a higher rate of return than with a traditional savings account.
  • Disciplined savings: The "Save Now Buy Later" approach requires more discipline and planning, which can help you develop good savings habits and financial discipline.
  • Fewer withdrawal temptations: Because you're saving up for a specific purchase, you're less likely to be tempted to withdraw the money for other purposes.

Cons of Save Now Buy Later:

  • Less flexible: With "Save Now Buy Later", you're saving up for a specific purchase and may have to wait until you have enough money to make the purchase. With a traditional savings account, you can withdraw your money at any time.
  • Opportunity cost: By saving for a specific purchase, you may miss out on other investment opportunities that could provide a higher return on your money.
  • Delayed gratification: It can be difficult to stick to a savings plan and wait to make a purchase, especially if it is something you really want.
  • Inflation risk: Inflation can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time, which can be a concern if you're saving for a long period of time.

Pros of Traditional Savings Accounts:

  • Flexibility: With a traditional savings account, you can withdraw your money at any time without penalty.
  • Safety: Savings accounts are generally considered safe and low-risk, which can be a reassuring option for those who are risk-averse.
  • Low minimums: Traditional savings accounts typically have low minimum deposit requirements, making them accessible to a wide range of savers.

Cons of Traditional Savings Accounts:

  • Low returns: Savings accounts typically offer low interest rates, which may not keep up with inflation or provide a high return on your savings.
  • Lack of motivation: Traditional savings accounts don't have a specific goal in mind, which can make it harder to stay motivated to save.
  • Temptation to withdraw: With easy access to your savings, it can be tempting to withdraw the money for non-essential purchases.
  • No investment opportunities: Savings accounts don't provide investment opportunities, which means you may miss out on potential returns from other investment options.

Ultimately, the choice between the "Save Now Buy Later" approach and a traditional savings account depends on your personal financial goals, risk tolerance, and savings habits.

How Save Now Buy Later helps you make the most out of your money

These are 3 ways Save Now Buy later (SNBL) helps you make the most out of your money.
5 min read

Save Now Buy Later (SNBL) is an effective strategy to save money for long-term goals.

It allows you to save money over a period of time and can have a positive impact on your personal finance.

In this article, we will discuss 3 quick steps to make the most of Save Now Buy Later.

1 - It Pushes you to Calculate your savings

In order to get the most out of SNBL, you should calculate how much money you can save over a certain period of time. 

This can be done by estimating how much money you can save each month, and then multiplying that amount by the duration of the savings period.

For example, if you earn Rs.25,000 a month, you might be able to save 20% of it, i.e. Rs. 5,000 for this purpose.

Multiply that by 12 and you have a savings potential of Rs. 60,000 just by putting aside Rs. 5000 a month for a year!

2 - It Makes You think about Maximising your savings

Once you have calculated how much money you can save with SNBL, you should look for ways to maximise it.

Setting up automatic transfers from your checking account to your SNBL account, or setting up recurring deposits is an excellent way to do it.

Hubble Money allows you to do just that. You can set up an auto transfer for Rs. 5000 and sit back and relax.

(Further more, your money also grows an extra 10% in just 100 days with Hubble Money.)

You should also look for ways to reduce your spending and increase your savings so that you can save more money with SNBL.

3 - It Makes you look at the bigger picture

SNBL has had a positive impact on personal finance, as it has made it easier for you to save money for long-term goals.

SNBL also encourages you to think about your future, instead of focusing on short-term spending.

This can help you make better financial decisions and establish a secure financial future for yourself.

Psychological Impact of Save Now Buy Later

Let’s look at the psychology behind Save Now Buy Later and how it can help you manage your finances better.
5 min read

We’ve all been there. You have a little extra money in your pocket and you just can’t help but to splurge.

It’s a natural impulse: you want something, you buy it. The challenge is that if you don’t have a good budgeting system in place, you can easily find yourself in debt.

Save Now Buy Later (SNBL) is designed to help you overcome this challenge.

It’s a simple concept; rather than buying something on impulse, you save up a certain amount of money and then you can use this to buy whatever it is you want or need.

The SNBL scheme helps you in two ways. Firstly, it encourages you to be mindful of your spending habits and to practice self-control. Secondly, it allows you to set goals for yourself - you save for a certain amount of money and then you can treat yourself knowing that you earned it.

Let’s look at the psychology behind Save Now Buy Later and how it can help you manage your finances better. 

A. Self-control and impulse buying 

Self-control and impulse buying are two key psychological factors to consider when understanding why people make decisions to save now and buy later.

Impulse buying is when you buy something without thinking about how it will affect your life or your finances.

This type of behaviour is often driven by emotion or immediate gratification. 

Save Now Buy Later encourages you to practice self-control. You’ll need to be disciplined enough to save the money you want to spend rather than buying something on impulse.

This will help you to be more conscious of your spending habits and to budget better.

B. Positive reinforcement 

Positive reinforcement also plays a role in understanding the psychology behind save now buy later.

When a person gets a reward for making a good choice, this is called positive reinforcement. This reward could be something materialistic like money, or something you feel, like a sense of accomplishment. 

Save Now Buy Later schemes encourage positive reinforcement.

When you save up for something and then buy it, you’re rewarded with cashback offers, discounts, etc. by SNBL companies. Hubble Money, for example grows your money by 10% in a 100 days which you can use it for your lifestyle and daily expenses.

This in turn reinforces the idea that saving is good and that you should continue to do so.

C. Goal setting 

Goal setting is another key psychological factor that can be used to make decisions to save now and buy later.

Setting goals gives you a sense of direction and purpose for your money, and it can be a powerful way to get you to make smart financial decisions. By setting goals, you can save now and buy later in ways that help you reach your long-term financial goals.

SNBL helps you to set goals. Before you can buy something, you need to save up for it. This way, you can set goals for yourself and work towards them. This is a great way to motivate yourself to continue to save and to build up your savings.

SNBL is a great way to help you manage your finances better. It encourages you to practice self-control, to use positive reinforcement, and to set goals for yourself.

So, if you’re looking for a way to manage your finances better, Save Now Buy Later might be just what you need.

History and Evolution of Save Now Buy Later

How has 'saving for a purchase' evolved to Save Now Buy later
5 min read

Save Now, Buy Later, Save Now Pay Later, SNPL or SNBL may sound like new terms.

But they've been around for decades and SNBL has evolved over the years to adapt to changing times and technologies.

Here is a brief overview of the history and evolution of SNBL.

Overview of Early Programs

The concept of SNBL can be traced back to the layaway programs that were popular in the 1920s and 1930s.

These programs allowed customers to reserve items at a store by making a small down payment and then paying off the balance over time.

Once the item was fully paid for, the customer could take it home.

In the 1970s, credit cards became popular and made it easier for consumers to purchase items on credit. As a result, layaway programs slowly became a thing of the past.

Modern Variations

In the early 2000s, SNBL made a comeback in the form of online layaway programs in the United States.

These programs allowed customers to shop online and make payments over time, just like the traditional layaway programs.

Today, SNBL has evolved to include a variety of programs and apps that offer consumers a way to save money and make purchases over time.

Some of these programs allow consumers to make purchases on credit and pay them off over time, while others are focused on helping consumers save money for future purchases.

Save Now Buy Later for Millennials 

Top Save Now Buy Later Programs and Apps 

Millennials are often faced with the challenge of finding ways to save money while still being able to afford the things they want. One way to do this is to use Save now, Buy later programs and apps. These programs can help you save up money over time to pay for larger purchases in full.

Some of the top Save now, Buy later programs and apps include Digit, Qapital, Acorns, and Chime in the US and Hubble Money, Tortoise and Multipl in India.

Each of these programs has different features and benefits that can help you save up money for big purchases while still having access to your funds when you need them. 

How to Get Started with Save Now Buy Later 

It's simple to get started with Save now, Buy later. First, decide which program or app you want to use and sign up for an account.

Allow us to toot our own horn here - with your Hubble Money you don't just save for your purchases, but your money also grows 10% in only 100 days!

Then, set a goal for how much money you want to save and create a plan for how you will achieve it. You can set up automatic transfers from your bank account to your  Save now, Buy later account or manually transfer money when you can. 

Once you have reached your goal, you’ll be able to make your big purchase in full without having to worry about debt or interest rates. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’ve saved up the money to pay for it. 

Save Now Buy Later for Retirement Planning and Emergency Funds 

Save Now Buy Later for Retirement Planning 

Save now, Buy later is also a great way to save for retirement. You can set up an automatic transfer from your bank account to your SNBL account each month. This will help you steadily save up money for your retirement over time. 

You can also use SNBL for short-term savings goals. For example, you can set a goal to save up a certain amount of money for a vacation or a new car.

This can help you stay on track with your savings and make sure you have the funds you need when the time comes. 

Save Now Buy Later for Emergency Funds 

Having an emergency fund is essential for those who want to protect themselves in case of a financial emergency.

Save now, Buy later can be a great way to start building an emergency fund. Set up automatic transfers to your Save Now, Buy Later account each month to gradually build your emergency fund. 

Having an emergency fund can help you stay out of debt in the event of a financial crisis. Plus, it can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a cushion to fall back on if you ever need it. 

The Future of Save Now Buy Later in the Finance Industry

Trends in Save Now Buy Later

SNBL is becoming increasingly popular, with companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Apple offering their own versions of the service.

These companies are able to make SNBL attractive to shoppers by offering zero-interest loans and no annual fees.

This makes it easier for shoppers to purchase items on credit without feeling the financial burden of having to pay back the full amount upfront.

Potential Impact on the Finance Industry

The growing popularity of SNBL could have a major impact on the finance industry, especially on traditional banks and lenders.

Banks and lenders have traditionally relied on consumers to pay their loans off in full, but with SNBL, consumers have the ability to spread out their payments over time.

This could mean that banks and lenders may have to adjust their loan terms to compete with SNBL services. Additionally, banks and lenders may have to offer more competitive interest rates and terms in order to stay competitive with SNBL services.

The rise of SNBL could also lead to an increase in the number of consumers with bad credit scores who are able to access credit.

With SNBL, consumers with bad credit scores are able to purchase items on credit and pay for them over time, which can help them repair their credit score.

This could lead to an increase in the number of people with good credit scores, which could have a positive impact on the finance industry.

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